Registration fees go up on 2/28/15 so make sure you register before then! And because I’m feeling generous today, you can use my discount code CrazyLife and save 15%! (this is only for the Orlando event, general wave times.)

To find out where and where BattleFrog will be near YOU, visit BattleFrog today!

One of the many things I love about running and taking part in races is the camaraderie and togetherness of being a part of something fun and challenging. When you start running and you are surrounded by hundreds or thousands of other runners, you know that you are not alone. You are not the only one facing those many miles ahead of you. And there is power in that.

Even better than just any race or event, is one that focuses on women. And my favorite women’s event is Iron Girl.

I have had the pleasure of running the Iron Girl Half Marathon in Clearwater the last 2 years and will run it again this year. I am also excited to be able to offer you a discount for both the half marathon and 5K distance!

Another reason I love this event is the course. The course follows the same route I train on over the Memorial Causeway to beautiful Clearwater Beach, south over Sand Key Bridge, through the park, and then back. This route just never gets old to me and I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful area with this amazing view…

Here is an overview of the courses for 2015.

Last year I ran this race with my good friend Corinna and we’ll run it together again this year. I can’t wait to see what this year’s medal will look like.

I hope to see you out there! Don’t forget to use my discount code CRAZYLIFE15 to save 10% on your registration.

So you want to step outside of your comfort zone this year and do something a little different. You want to see how tough you are. You want to do an obstacle course designed by Navy Seals. Well, now is your chance.

You have choices. The BattleFrog 15K with 25+ obstacles. Or The BullFrog 5K with 15 obstacles. There’s also the TadPole, designed for younger racers, a 1K with 10 obstacles. Earn a cool medal and t-shirt. Run it solo or form a team. Whatever way you do it, you will test your limits!

You will climb, crawl, and jump. There’s even a paintball gallery. And of course, there is mud.

If you’re in Florida, they are coming to Orlando March 14 and 15th. Stay tuned for a discount code and a giveaway!

To find out where and where BattleFrog will be near you, visit BattleFrog today!

Happy Friday! September is in full swing now, which means that many runners will start thinking about upcoming races. So, today’s Friday Five topic is very fitting! As always, I am linking up with Mar,Courtney, and Cynthia. Be sure to visit their blogs and comment and join in if you like!

I think everyone is different with their race rituals, based on what works best for them. What works for me, might not work for you, and vice versa. It is with almost two years of running under my belt that I feel pretty comfortable with my rituals.

1. Lay everything out the night before.

I always know exactly what I’m going to wear ahead of time and I make sure it is all out and ready to go the night before. Shorts, top, sports bra, undies, socks, shoes, Road ID, Garmin, and safety pins for the race bib. That way I’m not rushing around the morning of the race. Also, I never wear anything brand new for a race, it is always something I’ve work before so I know exactly how it will feel while running.

2. Go to bed early.

This one is easier said that done. I am always excited the night before a race and find it hard to go to sleep. Even if I’m not tired, I will lay down at a decent time and try to fall asleep earlier than later. The earliest I’ve ever had to wake up for a race was 3am, for the Best Damn Race in Orlando due to the drive. If it’s local, I’ll get up around 4 so I can take my time getting ready.

3. Eat breakfast.

I have to eat breakfast for a race, especially the longer distances. I have two breakfast meals that are tried and true for me, without giving me an upset tummy. The first is a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter and a banana. The other, that I’ve recently tried and loved, is two whole wheat Eggo waffles with apple butter and a banana. I also try to drink plenty of water with my breakfast (as well as the night before). Hydration is so important.

4. Be prepared with water and fuel.

I take plenty of GU Gel and/or Sports Beans with me. I also have my water bottle which I will start with full. I drink from it between hydration stops, and take water and Gatorade at each stop. I use to worry about having to go to the bathroom often if I drink a lot of water, but I’ve found that I usually sweat it out. Again, it’s best to be hydrated and stay fueled, especially for the longer distances. This will be a challenge for me during my marathon because I’ve just never run that distance. But, that is part of what training is for and I’ll hopefully have it all figured out by the time race day rolls around.

5. Arrive early.

Rarely do I get nervous about a race, I am usually excited about it. What will make me nervous, though, is being late. Especially if it’s a new to me area and I am unsure of parking. I like to arrive early, stand in the porta-potty line with everyone else, and then be ready to go at start time. I think it’s worth it to lose a few minutes of sleep to avoid the stress of being late or not finding parking or anything else that can go wrong.

There you have it…. My race rituals. What is your top race ritual you’d like to share with me?

Happy Friday! I missed last week’s link-up, but I’m making sure to get this one in. This week’s exciting topic is Favorite Race Memories. Since 2012, I’ve been all about the races, doing as many as I can. While I’ve not done nearly as many as others, I have done alot and have many great memories!

This one will always be my favorite simply because it was my very first half marathon and the one that pretty much started it all. I went into it as a one and done, but the minute I crossed the finish line, I knew I had to do another (and that turned into to completing 10 so far!).

This was the inaugural Best Damn Race event and it is high on my list of favorites because it was on my birthday! What a perfect way to start your birthday than with a race, not to mention have a shirt and medal with your name on it.

This was my 4th half marathon and the one where I broke 3 hours. I signed up for this one on a whim, because of the cool dolphin medal, and decided to just have fun with it. It turned into determination to finish under 3 hours and I did, finishing in 02:48.

This was a fun nighttime run on Honeymoon Island and we dressed up in red shirts and cute Santa hats. The finish line for this race is probably my favorite ever. All finish lines should be lit up in Christmas lights. Also, it’s my fastest 5K race, coming in at 30:56.

I have to throw this one in because it’s my half marathon PR. It was half marathon #9, my second to last one and I finished in 02:16. I loved the race course in downtown Orlando. I also earned a double medal for having done the half marathon in both Safety Harbor and Orlando. There can never be too much bling!

I would also have to add in Gasparilla Distance Classic 2014, I completed the lime mini challenge, running the 15K on Saturday and the 8K on Sunday. 2 races, 2 days, 3 medals!